Hitachi's history of high-speed, large-capacity elevators began in 1968 with the Kasumigaseki Building, Japan's first skyscraper building. In order to approach a project of this size, Hitachi constructed an elevator research tower with a height of 90 m in our Mito Works(currently known as Mito Works,) that was the tallest of its kind in the world at that time. We developed and tested accurate speed control technology, vibration and noise suppression devices, and high-speed safety devices on this tower, and this resulted in us completing an ultra high-speed elevator capable of traveling at a speed of 300 m/min, and since then we have been involved in the development of a large number of elevators for use in skyscraper buildings both at home and abroad.

And now, in 2010, which represents Hitachi's 100th anniversary, we have once again built the world's tallest class elevator research tower at 213 meters; the G1TOWER. To create and provide elevators for the world's tallest and largest buildings, Hitachi will continue to improve our levels of technology and quality with the use of this new test tower.

The movie of the G1TOWER

The Aims of the G1TOWER

To actually operate, decelerate and stop the world's fastest elevators. To enable people to experience the stability and quietness along with other levels of comfort. The G1TOWER will provide us with data not available through simulations to ensure that the concepts of Safety, Efficiency, Comfort and Environmental Friendliness provide support to the next generation of elevators.

SAFETY

The development of technology to increase the reliability of control devices and to cope with earthquakes and other emergencies in order to establish greater levels of safety.

EFFICIENCY

The development of the world's highest-class elevator cars and high-output traction machine capable of supporting them, and the development of operation control technology to ensure that users reach their floors as swiftly as possible.

COMFORT

The verification of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, swaying, noise and other factors inside the car when traveling at high speeds, and the development of technology to reduce or eliminate them.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS

The development of compact, high-output traction machine and lightweight, durable elevator cars in order to establish technology that contributes to resource & energy savings.